Senior Design Manager in St Albans

STRABAG UK is seeking an accomplished and forward-thinking Senior Design Manager to join our Build subdivision, leading the design delivery of major build developments within the Industrial & Logistical sector across the UK. This role will focus on a diverse portfolio of steel frame projects, from large-scale warehousing and distribution centres to advanced manufacturing and industrial facilities, ensuring that design solutions are coordinated, efficient, buildable, and aligned with programme, budget, and quality objectives.

As a Senior Design Manager, you will play a key leadership role from pre-construction through to project completion, managing multidisciplinary design teams, driving collaboration across internal and external stakeholders, and championing innovation, sustainability, and technical excellence. Working within a dynamic and growing sector, you will help shape high-performing projects that reflect STRABAG UK’s commitment to delivering intelligent construction solutions, operational excellence, and long-term value for clients. This role will be based around the St Albans and general Hertfordshire area to cover multiple live and upcoming projects.

Responsibilities

• Take ownership and accountability for the technical requirements of the project solutions delivered throughout the project life cycle.
• Develop general processes with regards to Delivery, Review, Assurance, Progress Measurement, and Document Control.
• Create and maintain the Design Deliverables Register, the list of all historic, current, and future design deliverables reflecting the scope and programme of the design team.
• Create and maintain Design Assurance Documents.
• Create and issue on a monthly basis the Design Progress Tracker to report the Design Progress Measurement.
• Report on KPIs for deliverables.
• Identify and implement improvements to general processes.
• Provide training and support to the entire design team to work to the set-up processes.
• Ensure a consistent general approach throughout the Design Team.
• Identify opportunities to increase the efficiency of processes.
• Manage the interface with external or in-house design teams on behalf of the Project Manager.
• Represent the design department, when necessary, at internal and external meetings and, in the absence of the Design Engineer, be the focal point of contact within the department.
• Liaise with other departments and project teams within the company with respect to design requirements.
• Undertake site visits when appropriate.
• Allocate design tasks to individuals within informal internal teams whilst maintaining responsibility for the team’s overall performance.
• Undertake the responsibilities of project design engineer if appointed.
• Ensure that work in the department is carried out in accordance with company procedures and that a high level of professionalism is maintained.
• Ensure that chargeable work is identified and evaluated, including the preparation of adequate records of time spent.
• Ensure feedback on design work is collated and saved in accordance with procedures.
• Coach individual staff members.
• Prepare conceptual designs with a view to the preparation of safe, practical and economic designs in accordance with current legislation.
• Prepare detailed designs in accordance with current standards and codes, including calculations, design risk assessments and sufficiently detailed sketches for the preparation of working drawings.
• Check and evaluate the design work of other staff members and external designers.
• Summarize quantities relating to design tasks for pricing purposes.
• Maintain responsibility for the storage, filing and archiving of documents relevant to the design tasks undertaken by yourself or your team.
• Lead the design process within Work Winning to ensure sufficient, economical designs are in place for tender purposes.
• Identify and manage risk where possible at all work stages.

Requirements

• Degree qualified in Architecture, Engineering, Construction Management, or related discipline.
• Proven experience in a Senior Design Manager or Design Manager role within main contracting or major construction delivery.
• Strong background delivering industrial, logistics, warehousing, or large steel frame construction projects.
• Experience managing multidisciplinary design teams on complex live projects.
• Strong knowledge of UK Building Regulations, planning processes, and statutory compliance.
• Experience working through pre-construction and delivery phases.

Desirable

• Member of CIOB / ICE desirable
• CSCS card